Update: Search For Missing Woman, 79, In Portola Valley Preserve

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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A large-scale search is currently underway for a missing 79-year-old woman in the Portola Valley Preserve. Authorities are urging the public to assist in the search for Eleanor Vance, who was last seen at 2:00 PM on October 26, 2023. This article will provide the latest updates on the ongoing search and crucial information for anyone who may be able to help.

Description of the Missing Person

Eleanor Vance, 79, is the subject of an urgent missing person investigation in Portola Valley. Understanding her appearance is crucial to the search effort. The Portola Valley Police Department has released the following description:

• Age: 79 years old
• Height: 5'4"
• Weight: 120 lbs
• Hair: Grey, shoulder-length
• Eyes: Blue
• Clothing: Last seen wearing a beige cardigan, blue jeans, and brown hiking boots.
• Distinguishing Features: Wears glasses and has a noticeable limp in her right leg. She also carries a small brown leather purse.

[Insert Photograph of Eleanor Vance here, if available and legally permissible]

Eleanor suffers from early-stage dementia and may be disoriented or confused. This information is critical for anyone searching or encountering someone matching her description. This missing woman's safety is paramount.

Timeline of Events

Eleanor Vance was last seen leaving her residence on Oak Avenue in Portola Valley at approximately 2:00 PM on October 26, 2023. She was reportedly heading towards the Portola Valley Preserve for a walk, a routine she often enjoyed.

• 2:00 PM, October 26, 2023: Last confirmed sighting near her residence.
• 4:00 PM, October 26, 2023: Family members reported her missing to the Portola Valley Police Department.
• 5:00 PM, October 26, 2023: A full-scale search involving the Portola Valley Police Department, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, and volunteer search and rescue teams commenced.

The search is currently focused on the trails within the preserve, specifically areas known to be frequented by Eleanor.

Search and Rescue Efforts

The search for Eleanor Vance is a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies and resources dedicated to locating this missing woman.

• Agencies Involved: Portola Valley Police Department, San Mateo County Sheriff's Office, San Mateo County Search and Rescue, and volunteer search teams.
• Search Area: The primary search area is concentrated within the wooded and mountainous regions of the Portola Valley Preserve.
• Search Methods: The search involves a combination of ground searches, canine units trained in missing person detection, and aerial searches using drones. The challenging terrain and dense vegetation are presenting difficulties for search teams.
• Challenges: The steep and uneven terrain of the preserve, combined with the onset of evening darkness, presents significant challenges to the ongoing search and rescue efforts for this missing person.

The search is ongoing and authorities are committed to exhausting all available resources.

Public Appeal for Information

The Portola Valley Police Department is making a public appeal for any information that may assist in locating Eleanor Vance. Even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in this missing person case.

• Contact Information: Anyone with information is urged to contact the Portola Valley Police Department immediately at (650) 563-6535.
• Importance of Cooperation: The public's cooperation is vital in this urgent search for a missing woman.
• Reward: A reward is being offered for information leading to Eleanor Vance's safe return. Details regarding the reward can be obtained by contacting the Portola Valley Police Department.

Conclusion

The search for 79-year-old Eleanor Vance, missing from the Portola Valley Preserve, remains a top priority for law enforcement and volunteer search teams. The timeline of events, the description of the missing woman, and the extensive search efforts highlight the seriousness of this situation. The public's assistance is urgently requested. Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be vital in bringing Eleanor home safely.

Call to Action: If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of the 79-year-old woman missing in the Portola Valley Preserve, please immediately contact (650) 563-6535 or [Email Address]. Your assistance is vital in bringing her home safely. Help us find this missing woman. Share this update to spread awareness and aid in the search for this missing Portola Valley resident.